24-Hours To Improve Repair Patio Door Lock
How to Repair a Bad Patio Door Lock
A safe patio door is a vital element of home security. It can be frustrating when it isn't easy to lock.
A stubborn lock can be the result of misalignment or even wear and tear. It is possible to restore the lock's function by adjusting it or lubricating it. If these solutions aren't working, you can replace the mortise lock and handle.
Clean and Lubricate
A door lock can become hard to open and close due to dust, dirt and grime. A regular cleaning and lubrication routine will keep your security device from becoming stiff or stuck, thereby saving you money on repairs and allowing your door to enjoy its full lifespan.
The first step in the process is to clean your lock's cylinder. Make use of WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray to do this. Spray a small amount into the keyhole, then work the key in and out to distribute the oil. Avoid using household oils or other solvents which could harm your locks, and make sure to spray a little on the key itself.
After cleaning your lock cylinder it is time to lubricate. You can use dry lubricants like graphite powder or sprays of silicone. Graphite is a lubricant that lasts for a long time that doesn't attract dust unlike liquid fluids. It's a great option to lubricate locks. Silicone sprays are water resistant and can withstand both moist and freezing temperatures, but may require multiple coats to be effective.
You can also use sprays for de-icing, which is specifically designed for colder weather and will lift frost and ice off the lock mechanism. A couple of sprays will allow your lock unlock and then lock more easily.
How often you should oil your locks will be contingent on the environment. A location with a coastline will expose your door to salty air, which can cause corrosion, and temperature fluctuations can also affect how well your lock works. The general rule of thumb is to lubricate your locks twice per year or more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Lubricating your patio door locks can save money on repairs, and ensure that it continues to function properly for a long time.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If your patio door lock isn't functioning properly, it could mean that one or more of the components are damaged or misaligned. Regular inspections and timely repairs of a broken lock on your patio door could stop further damage and increase the security of your doors. You can fix doors that are locked or locked by tightening loose screws, altering the lock mechanism or replacing the lock cylinder.
Begin by looking at the exterior and the interior of the lock to determine whether there are any indications of damage or misalignment. The patio door locks may expand or contract depending on the weather, and may even shift over time. This slight shift can cause the locking mechanism to stop aligning correctly and can cause issues when opening or closing the patio door.
Examine the keyway hole in the lock cylinder. A corroded or obstructed lock cylinder could be difficult to open and can cause damage to the latch springs, cam, or lock pins. If the cylinder isn't easy to insert, you might be able to remove any obstructions with the help of tweezers or a picklock. If the issue continues it may be necessary to remove the cylinder and disassemble it to find the source of the obstruction.
If the lock cylinder isn't secured to the lock body then you can loosen it by unscrewing the screw that is flat inside the cylinder's faceplate. This screw will allow you rotate the cylinder, and could even aid in restoring alignment.
Look for a small tab that moves with the key. It's usually close to the end. This little clip, also known as a "release tab" is what keeps the cylinder from sliding all the way into the lock body. A standard key will move this tab back to allow the cylinder to be released and allow it to be removed and then reinserted.
If your lock's cylinder is stuck, you may be able to restore proper alignment by rotating it until the latch bolt connects with the strike plate, and the knob or handle can be pushed in and withdrawn. Once you've restored the proper alignment, put back together the lock and test it for performance. If your patio door lock is difficult to use, it's a sign that another component such as the latch spring or latch is damaged or worn out and will require replacement.
Make sure you tighten the Screws
Over time, the use of regular as well as cold and hot weather dust, dirt and even dirt can wear down patio door locks. If they are not properly taken care of, these delicate parts can wear out and cause your door to not lock properly. Most lock problems are easily repaired with a few easy steps.
The first thing to do is clean the lock mechanism. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may be present, and dry the components thoroughly. After cleaning, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant will help keep the moving parts running efficiently and smoothly. Avoid lubricants with oil bases as they can attract dust and other debris which could cause more problems.
If your patio door is equipped with a security footlock, make sure that the footlock is properly aligned with the strike plate. In most cases, this will require you to adjust the screws that hold your foot lock to the frame of the patio door. To adjust the foot lock you need to loosen the screw using the help of a Robertson screwdriver and gently pry it upwards or downwards. Once the adjustment is done, tighten the screw securely.
When it comes time to repair the handle on a patio door, the most common problem is misalignment of the latch and strike plate. This could be due to everyday wear and tear, or it could simply be due to the fact that the latch is placed higher or lower than it ought to be.
Then, take out the handle that was previously used and locate the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Make sure you keep track of these since you will need them when installing the new handle. Then, take off the spindle that was in use and slide the new one on the inside of the door. Be sure that it is in alignment with the holes in both the exterior and interior handle. Install the exterior and interior handles after the spindle has been installed. Make sure that they're properly aligned with the bolts or screws to secure them.
After you've made the necessary adjustments to your patio door, be sure to test it by locking and closing the door. If everything is in proper alignment, the door will open and close without any additional force. If you're still having trouble then you may need to move the latch or strike plate, or the lock's cylinder might be damaged and need to be replaced.
Replace the latch
If your patio door locks still do not work, it might be time to replace the latch. Replacing a lock is a fairly simple home improvement project that a majority of homeowners can tackle by themselves. Start by sliding the patio door open and unscrewing the existing lock from the inside of the door. Carefully study how the existing lock is screwed into both the door and the jamb so that you can determine the type of lock you'll have to purchase.
Before installing the new latch, loosen screws that hold the strike plate. This is the part of the lock that is mounted on the edges of the frame of the door. Adjust it either horizontally or in the vertical direction to align it with the holes in the latch. Once you have repositioned the latch plate, tighten the screws and fix it with screws.
When all the components of your patio door have been moved or replaced, you can reassemble them and secure them as instructed by the manufacturer. When you're done, test the latch to make sure that it fits and catches the latch's hasp when the door is closed. If it does, your patio door lock is now working as it should and can give you the security and privacy you've come to appreciate from your home's doors.
Patio doors, like other components of your home must be properly aligned to function efficiently. Over time, heat cold, dirt and debris can cause the frames and hinges to shift. The wrongly aligned hinges, door frames, and locking mechanisms are similar to trying to put a key in the wrong keyhole. It's not working. By following patio door repair , you can fix the issue that may have seemed unfixable. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking on the project and reclaiming the patio door's closed position! We're sure you'll not have any issues opening or closing your patio door. Good luck! We are here to help should you require assistance or have questions.